Dana Point

They vibrate like a jackhammer, run like a tuna, and fight harder than fish three times their size. The Pacific Bonito is the unsung hero of the Southern California coast. Often called “little tuna,” Bonito are pelagic schoolers that invade the waters off Dana Point when the currents warm up. For anglers aboard…

When the rockfish season opens, the sacks at Dana Wharf are usually filled with Vermillion Rockfish (Reds), Boccaccio, and Whitefish. These are great eating fish, but for the serious angler, there is one prize that stands above the rest: The Lingcod. Often called “The Dragon” because of its prehistoric look and mouth full…

Of all the creatures we search for off the coast of Dana Point, none carries quite the same legendary status as the Sperm Whale. Immortalized as “Moby Dick,” this is the largest toothed predator on the planet. While we see Gray Whales by the thousands and Blue Whales by the hundreds, the Sperm Whale remains…

As we move through the peak of the winter migration, our captains and naturalists are starting to scan the water for something very specific—and very adorable. We are approaching the most heartwarming phase of the Gray Whale season: Cow and Calf Season. While the adult males and females without babies are already starting…

In any other context, getting “mugged” is a bad thing. But in the world of whale watching, it is the absolute dream scenario. If you hear our captain or crew mention that the boat is getting “mugged,” put down your coffee and grab your camera immediately. You are about to experience one of the rarest…

If you stood on a highway overpass, you would expect to see cars traveling in both directions. For the last two months, however, the “Gray Whale Highway” off Dana Point has been a one-way street. Virtually every whale we sighted was on a mission, heading south toward the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico. But now,…

There is nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up when they feel that first tug on the end of the line. It is a core memory in the making. But as any parent knows, taking kids on an ocean adventure can also feel a little daunting. Will they get bored? Will they get…

If you joined us in July or August, you likely spent your time “fly-lining”—tossing a live sardine or anchovy with no weight and letting it swim freely near the surface. That is the go-to method when the water is warm and the fish are chasing bait on top. But now that we are in the…

As summer fades and the water begins to cool, anglers in Southern California know it’s prime time to switch gears and start chasing one of the most exciting species of the season: white seabass. These elusive, hard-fighting, and delicious fish are a bucket-list catch for many local and visiting anglers—and fall is a…

Fall in Dana Point brings mild days and cool, salty breezes—ideal for being out on the water, but it pays to come prepared. Whether you’re booking a morning excursion or a late afternoon cruise, dressing in layers is your best strategy. The ocean breeze can drop temperatures noticeably once you’re away from shore,…